ENG vs NZ 2nd Test: New Zealand secured a thrilling one-run victory over England on Tuesday (February 28) at the Basin Reserve, Wellington to draw the Test series 1-1. The hosts created unbelievable scenes of jubilation when wicket-keeper Tom Blundell caught James Anderson off a Neil Wagner delivery.
This incredible win marked only the second time in the history of Test cricket that a team had won by a one-run margin. The last time it happened was in 1993 when the West Indies defeated Australia. Additionally, the match became only the fourth occasion on which a team had won after a follow-on.
List of matches when a team won after a follow-on:
| Team | Opposition | Venue | Date |
| England | Australia | Sydney Cricket Ground | December 20, 1894 |
| England | Australia | Headingley, Leeds | July 21, 1981 |
| India | Australia | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | March 15, 2001 |
| New Zealand | England | Basin Reserve, Wellington | February 28, 2023 |
England started the final day on 47/1 and required 210 runs. Despite conceding four quick wickets, the visitors’ 121-run sixth-wicket partnership between skipper Ben Stokes and Joe Root appeared to secure the victory.
Wagner takes four-fer in New Zealand’s win
However, Neil Wagner made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing both Stokes and Root. Even though Ben Foakes scored 35 runs to the total, Jack Leach took a single before James Anderson played one-off Wagner down the centre of the wicket with just seven runs needed.
Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand, ruined England’s chances of victory in his debut match. Wagner received the ball once more after his lengths had bothered Anderson. He managed to catch Anderson this time, which helped New Zealand win the second Test.
Nevertheless, this Test match was exciting and contained outstanding performances from both teams. In the end, New Zealand’s perseverance and talent allowed them to achieve a historic triumph, ensuring a deserved draw in the Test series.
ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Match Scorecard:
Brief Scores: England 435/8 decl. (Harry Brook 186, Joe Root 153*; Matt Henry 4-100, Michael Bracewell 2-54) & 256 (Joe Root 95, Ben Foakes 35; Neil Wagner 4-62, Tim Southee 3-45) lost to New Zealand 209 (Tim Southee 73, Tom Blundell 38; Stuart Broad 4-61, James Anderson 3-37) & 483 (Kane Williamson 132, Tom Blundell 90; Jack Leach 5-157) by 1 run
